SOLOMONS KIDS EMBRACE A NEW SCHOOL OF SPORT

Solomon Islanders are proudly passionate about their sport. And while the country’s most popular sports are soccer, netball and volleyball, a recent clinic supported by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) saw many young Solomon Islanders taking to bat to ball and trying their hand at cricket.

It would be hard to doubt the passion for sport shown by Solomon Islanders. A drive along Honiara’s Tandai Highway, with many thousands playing on the countless sports fields along this relatively small stretch of Guadalcanal road, shows just how passionate Solomon Islanders are about getting together for a game. And this passion for sport can help unite the country.
  Few Solomon Islanders would ever forget the day their triumphant national soccer team returned to Honiara following its remarkable David versus Goliath-style 2-2 draw against Australia in Adelaide.
  Just a few short months after the end of ‘the tensions’ (the period of often-bloody conflict that resulted in RAMSI’s arrival), this draw was followed by scenes of jubilation—with thousands lining the road from Honiara Airport to catch a glimpse of the team as they landed and returned to town. And church, community and political leaders of all sides are united in their belief in the positive impact sport can have on the youth of Solomon Islands.
  The idea that giving young people the opportunity to come together to play as a team will build confidence, discipline and greater respect for others is not new. But what is becoming increasingly evident is that this passion and energy for playing sport is opening up new opportunities throughout the country.
  A recent cricket clinic, held at Honiara’s Borderline community, saw more than 40 young people practising their batting and bowling skills, under the watchful eye of one of Australia’s leading school cricket coaches, Robert Dan.
  As a teacher and coach at Hunter Sports High School in New South Wales, Dan saw an opportunity to combine his two passions and give an entire community a completely new experience.
  “Cricket is a great way to get active,” said Dan. “It is fun and everyone can get involved.”
  When Dan volunteered to run a cricket clinic in Honiara as part of a recent visit, RAMSI Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, jumped at the idea to help make it happen.
  Wilson has been active in promoting sporting activities for young Solomon Islanders, including through coaching Australian Rules football, with the help of various RAMSI team members, each Saturday afternoon in Honiara. Other RAMSI members assist with coaching Solomon Islands youngsters in a range of different sports including soccer, netball, rugby and triathlon.
  The cricket clinic provided an opportunity for this group of people to learn some of the basics of the game of cricket, a sport that had all but disappeared from Solomon Islands in recent years, until it was revived last year with a four-team, Honiara-based competition, instigated through the joint efforts of Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua, and the RAMSI Special Coordinator and his colleagues.
  At the clinic, participants first learnt the basics of catching and bowling, before taking up the bat. Girls and boys from ages six to eighteen went through a range of drills and exercises, with many showing a natural talent for the popular game played competitively in over 30 countries.
  The students of Dan’s school, Hunter Sports High School, donated a host of equipment for the community to keep, including bats, balls and protective gear, with coaching assistance and support provided by police, military and civilian representatives from RAMSI.
  “Cricket is a game of skills, discipline and teamwork,” said Wilson. “And the young people from Borderline showed all those attributes today.”
  Wilson, who took part in the clinic with his family, said the growth of cricket in Solomon Islands provided a great new option for young Solomon Islanders to get together for a positive experience.
  “Through the recently formed Solomon Islands Cricket Association, we are planning on launching ‘Kanga cricket’ in a few schools in Honiara this year,” explained Wilson.
  “We hope that eventually many young Solomon Islanders will embrace the game that inspires so much passion worldwide.”
  “Most importantly, we want to see young people involved in healthy activities that promote cooperation and team spirit,” he added.
  While the children couldn’t hide their enthusiasm for the sport, it was clear the event was just as special for visiting coach, Dan, who said he regarded himself as very lucky to have had the opportunity to teach a new game to such an enthusiastic group—and he couldn’t wait to return to Solomon Islands to see their progress.
  “The enthusiasm these kids showed for the game of cricket was inspiring,” said Dan. “I’m looking forward to returning to the Solomons and checking on the progress of the many budding Sachin Tendulkars, Ricky Pontings and Andrew Flintoffs I’ve met here.”